Padres avoid elimination, beat Brewers 4-3 in NLDS Game 3 with Cronenworth’s HR, King’s relief

In a thrilling Game 3 of the NL Division Series, the San Diego Padres kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Michael King, who had pitched five innings just two days earlier, emerged from the bullpen to secure the win in the final two innings. Jake Cronenworth’s tiebreaking homer and Xander Bogaerts’ defensive heroics were crucial in the Padres’ win, which cut Milwaukee’s series lead to 2-1. Despite missing key bullpen players, San Diego’s determination shone through, setting the stage for Game 4 at Petco Park. QUESTION: How do you think the absence of key players affects a team’s performance and morale in high-stakes games?